Vision Disability Services

Vision Services in Monroe County Schools

Monroe County Schools provides vision support for eligible students from ages 3 to 21 through our part-time Vision Specialist, Debbie Reed. These services help students who are blind or have significant vision loss take part in learning and school activities.

Who Qualifies for Vision Services?

To receive vision services, a student must:

• Be certified as visually impaired or blind, and

• Show an educational need for vision support.

The first step is getting a current eye exam report (within the past year) from the student’s eye doctor. If the report shows that more evaluation is needed, parents will be contacted to move forward with the process.

Note: Vision services do not include help for students with only visual processing or perception difficulties.

What Does the Vision Specialist Do?

Our Vision Specialist works closely with:

• School administrators

• General education teachers

• Special education teachers

• Parents and caregivers

Support is based on each student’s individual needs and may include:

• Adapting classroom materials

• Teaching specialized skills (like using a braille writer or magnifier)

• Helping students use tools that make reading or writing easier

• Helping teachers make the classroom more accessible

Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Training

Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training helps students who are blind or visually impaired:

• Understand where they are in space and how to move safely, and

• Learn how to travel independently in familiar and unfamiliar places.

These skills may start early—sometimes even in infancy—with simple activities like body movement and awareness. As the student grows, training can include using a white cane, navigating hallways, crossing streets, and more.

How Are O&M Services Provided?

Teachers, parents, or school staff can refer a student for an O&M screening. If the screening shows a full evaluation is needed, the process will continue with parent involvement.

O&M services are provided only when needed, and the type and amount of support are based on the student’s abilities and goals.

Have Questions or Concerns?

If you think your child may benefit from vision services or O&M support, talk to your child’s teacher or case manager. They can help begin the referral process and connect you with our Vision Specialist.